E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 10490
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR)

Overview

History & significance

Counterscarp Rath is a prehistoric earthwork located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, belonging to the class of raths that characterise Early Christian settlement patterns in the island. The monument consists of an enclosed ringfort typical of the Early Christian period, featuring a defensive earthen bank and ditch arrangement that would have enclosed a domestic settlement. Raths of this type were widespread across Ireland from approximately the fifth century onwards and served as the strongholds of Irish nobility and farming families, combining defensive and residential functions. The Counterscarp Rath exemplifies the standard morphology of such monuments, with its characteristic circular or oval enclosure designed to protect livestock and dwellings within a fortified perimeter.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 10490. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp Rath is a prehistoric earthwork located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, belonging to the class of raths that characterise Early Christian settlement patterns in the island. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 10490.

What period does Counterscarp rath date from?

Counterscarp rath dates from the e.christ. period, and is classified as a rath. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Ni. The official designation reference is 10490.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Castle (1.2 km), Rath (2.3 km), C6th monastery, multiperiod church site , graveyard, two-cross shafts & bases (3 km).

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